Former EastEnders Actor Frank Barrie Dies Peacefully Aged 88

Frank Barrie, a distinguished actor known for his role as Edward Bishop on BBC's EastEnders from 2010 to 2011, has died peacefully at the age of 88 at home surrounded by his family. Born in Yorkshire, Barrie was celebrated for his extensive theatre career, including his membership in Sir Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company at the Old Vic and acclaimed performances in Shakespearean plays, The Woman In Black, and Lunch With Marlene. His one-man show, Macready!, was performed in 65 countries and represented Great Britain at the 1982 Commonwealth Games Arts Festival in Australia. Over his career, Barrie appeared in over 150 television roles, including Emergency Ward 10, No Hiding Place, and Special Branch, and portrayed Eglamour in the 1983 BBC adaptation of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona. He was also a successful director and writer, with works such as Shylock, JM Barrie, and The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton touring internationally, and his written plays broadcast by the BBC. Barrie met his wife Mary at Hull University, where he was president of the debating union, and is survived by her and their daughter Julia.